Are you gearing up for an upcoming fishing trip? Well, allow us first to introduce you to a Hungarian proverb that might be useful; ‘’he who wants to go fishing must not be afraid of water’’.
Wise words, indeed. But that courageous, gung-ho spirit that the Hungarians extol shouldn’t mean that you neglect to prepare for your fishing trip entirely. Doing so would only lead to a fishing trip defined by discomfort, disillusionment and plenty of bait not taken.
Plan well, however, and you’ve got one of the most meditative, relaxing experiences on the planet in the palm of your hands. In fact, we might defer to the late, great Ted Hughes for a moment; “Fishing provides that connection with the whole living world. It gives you the opportunity of being totally immersed, turning back into yourself in a good way. A form of meditation, some form of communion with levels of yourself that are deeper than the ordinary self.”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. But enough with the proverbs and quotes; we’ve fish to catch! Today, we’re offering 5 top tips to help you prepare for an awesome fishing trip in the UK. Let’s dive in…
Choosing Your Destination
One of the most important aspects of preparing for a fishing trip is finding the best spots to sling a few rods perhaps while wearing some super-cool Salty Crew fishing shirts.
This can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the area (the finding the best spots part, not the cool tees!).
Much of the year in the UK is relatively mild, and though it can certainly get cold during the winter months, waters rarely freeze. Summer months obviously enjoy higher temperatures, but the temperate conditions enjoyed in some inland rivers means that fish stock may not change too dramatically over the course of the year.
We say rivers, but you may enjoy sea fishing more. The UK has an abundance of beaches and coastline, and this makes sea fishing holidays extremely appealing, giving you the opportunity to land bass, mackerel, and flounder, among many other species.
The majority of UK beaches do offer some snag free fishing. As well as fishing off beaches like Chesil Beach in Dorset, you can also fish off sea walls and local landmarks. The power station in Morecambe attracts bass because of the warmer waters it produces, for instance.
Some of the best places to go seafishing in the UK include:
- The Blackpool Piers
- Galloway’s Kickcudbright Harbour
- Hendon Promenade in Sunderland
- Whitby Beach in Yorkshire
- Whitstable in Kent
- London’s Woolwich
Check out these tips for a great first seafishing trip for more, by the way.
In terms of freshwater fishing here in the UK, we can’t recommend the River Frome, in England’s South West, highly enough. Grayling, sea trout and brown trout are not only found in abundance, but the Frome has also seen numerous record breaking catches. There are also sizeable salmon in these waters.
Other great rivers for fishing in the UK include:
- The River Wye in Wales
- Cumbria’s Windermere
- Angler’s Paradise in Devon
- The Norfolk Broads
- The River Spey in Scotland
Getting A Good Travel Fly Rod
So, you’ve got your destination sorted. Now, it’s time to consider the actual fishing you’re going to be doing. One of the most important things you’ll need for your fishing trip is a good travel fly rod, which is a great choice of rod for those looking for portability, ease of use, and flexibility in terms of being able to use the rod in rivers, lakes and the sea.
Keep in mind factors like weight and material when making your decision. You can even take a travel rod with you on airplanes and even in your carry-on luggage, so it’s a great option for those who are planning a more expansive fishing jaunt (which sounds like heaven to us!).
Read: 5 IDEAL destinations for a fishing holiday
Picking The Right Tackle & Bait
Of course, you’ll need more than just a rod to go fishing. You’ll also need to select the right tackle for your trip. This includes everything from hooks and lures to sinkers and lines.
When choosing your tackle, consider the type of fish you’re hoping to catch. Different species require different gear, so make sure you have the right supplies before heading out on your trip.
To make sure you’re not polluting the UK’s waters (quite enough of that going on right now), it’s best to use only natural bait. For seafishing, many anglers use small shellfish, such as mussels, razorfish, cockles, limpets and whelks. For freshwater fishing, it’s better to use worms, maggots, and even basic ol’ bread.
All The Gear, All The Idea
Now that you have all the essential equipment, it’s time to start packing for your trip.
Before you set off, you should assess the weather forecasts, including the shipping forecast, and pack accordingly. Regardless of whether or not rain is predicted, a waterproof jacket is wise. And don’t forget the sunblock; you’ll be sitting, exposed, for long stretches. While you can get away with wearing a pair of trainers, sensible walking boots are generally preferable, as they provide proper grip on deck (should you be seafishing) or on muddy river banks, should it be freshwater receiving your rods.
A portable barbecue might be a fun addition, too, should you be planning on grilling your catch!
Make Your Trip As Relaxing As Possible
Fishing is a great way to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life. When you’re out on the water, it’s easy to forget about your troubles and just enjoy the peace. Fishing also gives you a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. If you’re feeling stressed, try heading out for a fishing trip; it’s an activity that’s sure to help you relax and unwind.
There are a few things you can do to make sure your fishing trip is as relaxing as possible. First, be sure to choose a peaceful location away from busy roads or crowded areas. You’ll want to find a spot where you can kick back and take in all the sights and sounds of nature. Also, be sure to bring along some comfortable chairs or a blanket so you can relax in style when you’re not gripping your rod.
And finally, don’t forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day, because if you don’t catch anything, you might be going hungry!